We add the “Spark” to your Experience

A true San Franciscan at heart, what gets Heather out of bed on foggy mornings is fresh-roasted coffee and warm sourdough bread (plus one extremely persistent terrier!).

Heather grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and is passionate about welcoming people to her home. From the first moment you meet, she strives to make every guest feel like you’re with an “old-friend” in San Francisco.

After +10 years as a professional guide, Heather still  loves what she does.  She’s incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunities that come with a career in travel— not only has she traveled the world, but meets the most fascinating people (like you!) along the way.

Heather came to guiding by blending a business, tech and education background. She designed her first tour itinerary while managing Executive Programs at UC Berkeley Haas. Discovering that the University didn’t offer the caliber of campus visits that her visiting scholars, dignitaries and senior professionals needed, she created one. Over time, that evolved into Silicon Valley corporate site visits and sightseeing excursions in San Francisco and Wine Country. After eight years connecting the higher-ed and business world, Heather leaped into to hospitality full-time and never looked back! This background has helped her be uniquely prepared to serve as an ambassador for discerning visitors and locals.

She is also extremely proud to have served nearly a decade as the California Tour Director Team-Lead and a Cruise Director for the nation’s oldest and most respected luxury tour operator, TAUCK World Discoveries. She feels strongly that doing the right thing and “how you see the world” truly does matter!

In addition to a Master’s Degree in Education, Heather is a field instructor for numerous hospitality industry organizations, and has completed the following formal certifications:

• San Francisco Tour Guide Guild (SFTGG)
• International Tour Management Institute (ITMI)
• International Association of Tour Directors and Guides (IATDG)
• International Association of Travel Agents (IATA)
• SFTravel, the Official San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Certified Travel Ambassadors (CTA)

Even though Chris began his tour experience in the East Bay, San Francisco has always been his first love. A native of the Bay Area, he first became a student of San Francisco when he moved to the city in 1997, with a particular interest in early California history, and the city’s LGBT culture. For Chris, a city isn’t just pretty buildings and random facts, but a living, breathing organism with its own personality. He considers San Francisco a truly unique spot on the planet, and he loves introducing it to people.

As an original co-founder of Spark Experiences, Sparky played a critical role in product development, particularly in the selection of gourmet snacks and refreshment we provide to guests. Now semi-retired, he continues to make valuable contributions as a member of our Board. In his spare time, he also enjoys long walks on the beach and playing fetch.